James Betts, associate professor of music, will direct the Wind Ensemble, with selections including the “Prelude and Rondo” by David Holsinger, a chorale prelude arranged by Alfred Reed of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “My Heart is Filled with Longing” and “The Greenbriars of Wexley” by Sammy Nestico.

Following the Wind Ensemble’s performance, the Monmouth Chorale, the college’s most highly auditioned choral ensemble, will perform under the direction of Perry White, associate professor of music and director of choral activities. The Chorale will feature some of the literature from its upcoming spring tour, which will include concerts in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska.

One of the Chorale’s selections will be a piece entitled “Ruach,” written by White and the Rev. B. Kathleen Fannin, Monmouth College chaplain. According to Fannin, “Ruach” is Hebrew for spirit or wind and the lyrics are based on a poem Fannin wrote at a 1999 retreat while listening to the progression of a rain shower. Her poem reflects the experience of listening to nature and “feeling somehow the wind of the Spirit (God’s presence) in that experience.” Earlier this year, White completed efforts to put Fannin’s poem to music, which he says is an experimentation in sound.

The joint concert will serve as a prelude to the college’s Feb. 7 Fine Arts Day during which prospective students will visit campus to audition for scholarships in music, theater and art.

The Chorale will also perform at the 11 a.m. mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Galesburg on Feb. 8. The church is located at 2401 North Broad Street. In addition to